City Cuts Pedestrian-Bike Position

Omaha's mayor has announced the elimination of a paid position that was created to help make the city friendlier to bicyclists and pedestrians.

Mayor Jean Stothert said Tuesday she doesn't want to use city funds for the bicycle-pedestrian coordinator. The position was created by a former mayor in 2010. The $80,000-per-year position will be eliminated at the end of the year.

Stothert says the position's duties will be replaced by a committee. She plans to sign an executive order to revive the largely defunct Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

The executive director of the nonprofit Live Well Omaha tells the Omaha World-Herald the elimination is a "blow'' to the city. Cycling advocates say they are trying to figure out how to save the position.